Glaucoma

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Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a condition in which the normal fluid pressure inside the eyes slowly rises to a level causing irreversible damage to the vision (optic) nerve that connects the eye with the brain resulting in irreversible loss of peripheral vision and can progress to blindness.

Open-angle glaucoma With this most common type of glaucoma, the fluid that normally flows out of the eye cannot get through the filtration area due to increased resistance causing a build-up of pressure in the eye. Low-tension or normal-tension glaucoma While normal intraocular pressure ranges between 12 to 21 mm Hg, an individual may have glaucoma even if the pressure is within this range. Angle-closure glaucoma In angle-closure glaucoma, the fluid at the front of the eye cannot reach the filtration area and leave the eye, because the area becomes blocked by part of the iris. This results in a sudden increase in pressure and is generally a medical emergency, requiring immediate treatment to improve the flow of fluid. Congenital glaucoma Congenital glaucoma, a type of childhood glaucoma, occurs in children born with defects in the filtration area of the eye. Secondary glaucoma Both open-angle and angle-closure glaucoma can be classified as primary or secondary. Secondary glaucoma develops as a complication of another medical condition or injury. In rare cases, secondary glaucoma is a complication following another type of eye surgery.

A complete eye examination - not only the usual reading of the chart-is mandatory, especially after the age of 40. Those at risk of developing glaucoma include:

Advanced age - Older people are more likely to suffer from glaucoma.

Family history - If any of your elder family members suffer from glaucoma, you are more likely to get it.

Family history - If any of your elder family members suffer from glaucoma, you are more likely to get it.

Corticosteroid use - Those who use steroid drops, tablets, inhalers or ointments are at a greater risk of developing glaucoma.

People wearing 'minus' glasses for short -sightedness are at a higher risk.

Elevated pressure within the eye.

What are the symptoms ?

People with glaucoma often do not have symptoms until vision loss occurs. So, everyone should have a comprehensive eye examination periodically as it can help detect not only glaucoma but also other preventable, controllable, or treatable diseases such as retinal detachment, diabetic eye disease, and cataract.

Severe eye pain

Seeing coloured haloes around light

Blurred vision

Frequent change of reading glasses

How is glaucoma diagnosed ?

In addition to a complete medical history and eye examination, your eye care professional may perform the following tests to diagnose glaucoma.

Visual acuity test - the common eye chart test, which measures vision ability at various distances.

Pupil dilation - the pupil is widened with eye drops to allow a close-up examination of the eye's retina and optic nerve.

Visual field - a test to measure a person's side (peripheral) vision. Lost peripheral vision may be an indication of glaucoma.

How will your doctor treat glaucoma ?

Glaucoma cannot be cured, but it can be controlled. The purpose of treatment is to prevent further loss of vision . This is important, as vision once lost due to glaucoma cannot be regained. Your doctor may treat glaucoma by: